OCONTO – After being sworn in Friday as Oconto County Sheriff, Todd Skarban received a joyous round of applause from more than 50 relatives, friends and supporters.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you guys so much,” Skarban said in an impromptu speech. “This has been one of the most rewarding, most difficult, and most humbling experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t be here without all of you.”

Skarban said he’s excited to start work on Jan. 7.

“I can’t wait until the rubber meets the road and we can get this whole thing rolling,” he said.

Skarban will be taking over a department with about 70 employees and spends just over a third of the county’s $20 million tax levy in 2019.

“I’m looking to work hard and (have the department) be at a really good place in the future,” Skarban added.

Oconto County Sheriff-elect Todd Skarban, center, poses for family photo after being sworn in Friday at the Oconto County Courthouse. From left are his parents, Norbert and Darlene Skarban, Todd Skarban, daughter Ellayna, wife Heather and son Emerich.(Photo: Kent Tempus/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Skarban, 47, of Suring, has been an Oconto County deputy for 19 years, the last 14 as a police dog handler.

While taking the oath, Skarban was flanked by his wife, Heather, and his children, Emerich and Ellayna.

“I wouldn’t be here without my wife — she is the rock in our marriage and our family,” he said. “She is an incredible woman, and I really lean on her a lot, and did throughout this whole campaign.”

Skarban also expressed his gratitude to several people who assisted in his campaign, especially Vicki Roberts for taking on the big task of treasurer and Clerk of Court Mike Hodkiewicz, who Skarban said “offered sound advice throughout this whole thing.”

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Oconto County Sheriff-elect Todd Skarban is congratulated by Judge Jay N. Conley, after administering the oath of office to Skarban on Friday. At center is Skarban's wife Heather.(Photo: Kent Tempus/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Hodkiewicz praised the effort put into the campaign.

“Todd and his family did an outstanding job,” he said. “And it was step by step by step.”

Hodkiewicz spoke before being sworn in for his 11th term (five four-year and six two-year terms).

“I want this day to be for Todd, because I remember the first time I was elected,” Hodkiewicz said, noting two family members who were unable to attend. His mother, Monica, died two months ago, and his sister, Mary Lou, who served as his campaign manager, is battling a serious illness.

Hodkiewicz thanked his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann, for her help and support, and confirmed this would be his final term. He has served in the office since 1990, after winning a six-way primary and then being appointed as the post was vacant.

“I got four more years… that will take me to 32 (years in office) and when I hit 70, I’ll go get a job,” he said to a big round of laughter.

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Oconto County Clerk of Court Mike Hodkiewicz takes the oath of office Friday from Judge Jay N. Conley at the Oconto County Courthouse. Next to Hodkiewicz is his wife, Mary Ann.(Photo: Kent Tempus/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Judge Jay N. Conley conducted the oaths of office. Besides family and friends of Hodkiewicz and Skarban, among those attending were retired county judges Larry Jeske and Richard Delforge, several members of the sheriff’s office and the Oconto Falls Police Department, Oconto County Law Enforcement/Judiciary Committee chairman Dennis Kroll, Florence County Sheriff Dan Miller, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Suave and Marinette County Det. Craig Kasten.